Abstract
There is no doubt that the implementation of ECDIS as the primary means of navigation will place enormous pressure on the maritime industry, due to complex training and compliance issues. The lack of common standard for ECDIS makes the challenge even greater. With significant differences between manufacturers’ models, as well as major variances in model and software versions from the same manufacturer – but all complying with IMO Performance Standards – the difficulties of effective and relevant training could not be more obvious. One of the major and continuing issues will also be that experienced seafarers transferring ships regularly will invariably require type specific training on an on-going basis for some time to come.
This presentation aims to address the issues faced by the industry and examines the most practical and flexible way of providing effective learning for seafarers through multistage learning. It looks at the elements required to maintain a sound ECDIS mind-set, the principles behind understanding ECDIS systems and achieving effectively type specific certification.
As time is fast running out, there is understandably, a real concern about the realities of ECDIS compliance within the maritime industry which is looking for the most practical solutions and assurances within a cost effective perimeter.
Key words: Primary means of navigation, effective learning¸ ECDIS mind set
1. Introduction
ECDIS is a big challenge affecting the industry during the implementation phase of 2012 – 2017. There are of course others such as MLC, Ballast Water etc Mastering ECDIS operations especially when used as the primary means of navigation will require training to complement class room teaching. Whilst the challenge is not new, it is very unique and can be overwhelming if the transition is not managed efficiently as ECDIS will be the primary means of Navigation. ARPA, AIS have been and continue to be aids to navigation. This substantially changes the situation. It is going to cause the biggest challenge for Ship Owners and Managers with multi crews and multi systems, making tanker officer matrix compliance look significantly easier than ECDIS compliance. One of the reasons for this is that there are significant differences between different manufacturer’s equipment, although they all comply with the IMO Performance Standards. ECDIS sets of the same manufacturer are known to have significant differences. In a perfect world if navigating officers were to go through college and do both ‘generic ‘ and type-specific training on one manufacturer’s ECDIS and, thereafter, find the same equipment on board all the ships they sail on, we would not have an issue. For many, if not most, this will not be the case. Addressing the basic principles, establishing the ECDIS mind set in the student is paramount. Providing a sound understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the system and how it should be used will provide a
good foundation and a thorough understanding of the basic concept of ECDIS and will help them crew from equipment to equipment without unpleasant surprises.
2. Sea Training - Illustrations and advice complement and support shipboard drills and exercises on safety, environmental protection and security
3. Group & Instructor-led training - Classroom based scenarios and through a virtual academy.
4. Supplying and supporting individual learning and assessment - Using cutting edge technology equipment specific training requirements are being delivered online.
5. Supporting IMO and National Administrations - Illustrating the Conventions and Regulations created by the authorities and translating them into practical advice and exercises which can be understood by seafarers from different cultures and backgrounds
6. Conclusion
One of the big challenges foresees for the future is total dependency on technology with an ever decreasing lack of situational awareness. Whatever advances there are in technology, good seamanship will still be required for safe and efficient navigation. And that requires good training and consideration. It will not be surprising if ship `owners and managers decide to defer their decision to convert their vessels to ECDIS as ‘primary means of navigation’, as late as possible, so that in the interim they are able to get their officers well trained on ECDIS - both Generic and Type Specific.
Author’s Bio-Note Sundeep R. Sequeira General Manager
Videotel Pte Ltd, Singapore
Sundeep Sequeira currently serves as General Manager of Videotel Singapore. During his 19 year career, he has held positions in marketing, management and training within the Asia Pacific rim.
Sundeep commenced his sea-going career which spanned 14 years with Tolani Shipping Company, before moving to Tolani Maritime Institute as a Senior Lecturer where he managed simulation based training. Prior to joining Videotel Singapore, Sundeep worked as Regional Sales & Training Manager, Asia Pacific for Transas – a leading ECDIS, Simulator and Vessel Traffic Systems manufacturer.
As General Manager for Videotel Singapore, he heads operations and business development for Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand & Myanmar. Under his leadership, Videotel has become one of the most preferred training providers reaching out to hundreds of thousands of seafarers across the globe.
Xue-qing You Guangzhou Maritime College People’s Republic of China